Government accuses China of ‘unsafe’ encounter with military aircraft
The Albanian government has accused the Chinese military of unsafe behavior after a People’s Liberation Army plane clashed with the Australian Air Force again.
The revelation of Sunday’s encounter came just hours before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s first meeting with US President Donald Trump, in which relations with China will feature prominently.
An Australian P-8A Poseidon.Credit: defence.gov.au
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the government had raised concerns about the incident with the Chinese embassy in Canberra and officials in Beijing.
Marles said the Chinese plane fired flares “very close” to the Australian plane, putting the lives of Australian personnel at risk.
“After reviewing this incident very carefully, we feel that this is both unsafe and unprofessional,” he told reporters.
Marles said the Australian plane was flying in international airspace over international waters.
The government said in a statement Monday afternoon that it had raised concerns about what it described as “unsafe and unprofessional interaction” with the Chinese government.
“The safety and welfare of our ADF personnel remains our top priority,” the statement said.
“Australia expects all countries, including China, to use their militaries safely and professionally.”
